Tag: Reviews

Goodbye to the Hotel California?

I’m sure readers are aware of the efforts of ‘Yes California‘ and other parties to have California secede from the United States.  In the light of that state’s increasingly frenzied, illogical, irrational liberalism, many in the US wish they’d do it . . . but don’t predict a successful separation. That’s what gave rise to… Continue reading Goodbye to the Hotel California?

An unusual thriller with some intriguing twists

Earlier this year, Mojo Mori’s suspense thriller ‘Six Expressions of Death‘ was released. I don’t particularly enjoy most thrillers or suspense novels.  I find most of them wanting in one or more aspects, failing to hold my attention.  This one is different.  It’s set in samurai-era Japan, and offers a fascinating insight into that culture… Continue reading An unusual thriller with some intriguing twists

“No reviews, no revenue”

I know some readers find it frustrating when independent authors, such as myself, ask readers of their books to leave reviews on Amazon.com.  They don’t like to be bombarded with such pleas.  I try very hard not to issue such appeals too often:  but reviews are important, as the New York Post explains. No reviews,… Continue reading “No reviews, no revenue”

Two new fun, short reads

Friends in meatspace and cyberspace, Tom Rogneby and Alma Boykin (the links are to their respective blogs), have each put out a new piece of short fiction in the past few days. Alma’s newest is a collection of five short stories titled ‘Familiar Tales‘. The title doesn’t mean that the stories are familiar;  rather that they’re… Continue reading Two new fun, short reads

A great new read from Cedar Sanderson

My friend and fellow author, Cedar Sanderson (who also designs covers – I had her create the cover for my forthcoming fantasy novel) has just published another novella (i.e. a short novel – usually considered to be between 17,500 and 40,000 words).  This one’s titled ‘Snow in her Eyes‘. I bought it and read it at… Continue reading A great new read from Cedar Sanderson

One of the best military autobiographies

I’ve just had the pleasure of reading Gen. John L. Piotrowski‘s autobiography, ‘Basic Airman to General: The Secret War & Other Conflicts: Lessons in Leadership & Life‘. As the title suggests, General Piotrowski rose from the lowest enlisted rank to that of four-star general – E-1 to O-10.  You literally can’t do better than that,… Continue reading One of the best military autobiographies

Nightwish’s latest album is different, and very interesting

The symphonic metal group Nightwish from Finland have produced some interesting music over the years.  I’ve enjoyed some of their songs, intensely disliked others, and had some real moral and ethical problems with what appeared to be a dark, almost Satanic influence that seemed to color some of their most popular numbers.  For example, one… Continue reading Nightwish’s latest album is different, and very interesting

Something rich and strange has arrived

Science fiction and fantasy author John C. Wright has just published his latest book, Somewhither.  It’s the first volume in a new series he calls ‘The Unwithering Realm’. I’ve already bought it, and have started reading it.  (It’ll take a while, being a very satisfyingly long book.)  It’s fascinating!  It’s very hard to define its… Continue reading Something rich and strange has arrived